Superstar entertainer Beyoncé and Peloton, the popular fitness company, have partnered on an effort to help students at 10 Historically Black Colleges & Universities — including four in Atlanta — maintain and improve their health, which administrators say is important as students try to balance their lives and education through the coronavirus pandemic.
Beyoncé, the most-requested artist by Peloton’s global community of more than 3.6 million members, has been a major supporter of HBCUs in recent years through donations and her 2019 concert film, Homecoming, that celebrated the culture and traditions of the schools.
“I’ve been a Peloton member for several years, and I’m excited to partner with a company that helps people, young and old, be the best versions of themselves, in an innovative and adaptable way," the singer and actress said in a statement. "I’m proud to celebrate the students at HBCUs with this donation, to encourage them to find and embrace their own wellness regimens.”
Many HBCUs are holding online-only courses this semester to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on their campuses. Monique Dozier, vice president of Morehouse College’s Office of Institutional Advancement, said the gift will help to improve the physical and emotional well-being of students as they learn remotely at home during the pandemic.
“Many of our students cannot afford local gym memberships because they live in households with an income of $40,000 or less. This donation will make it easier for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle as they pursue their degrees,” Dozier said.
Clark Atlanta President George T. French Jr. made a similar observation in a statement.
“Our students are our top priority, and we remain dedicated to ensuring they not only receive a world-class education, but their physical and emotional well-being is supported as well," he said. "We are elated and appreciate this new partnership with Beyoncé and Peloton.”
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